More than 900 student beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) received their wages amounting to P3.95 million, following a series of payouts conducted recently in Isabela.
The initiative aligns with the directive of President Marcos during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), where he directed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to enhance the employment participation of the youth through internships, scholarships, and job opportunities.
Each of the 911 students from various municipalities in Isabela received a stipend ranging from P4,000 to P4,300, representing DOLE’s 40% share of the total salary, with the amount varying based on the classification of their municipality.
Most of the student beneficiaries have wrapped up a 20-day office-related work, with some rendering clerical and enumerator duties in their respective local government units (LGUs). Participating LGUs included towns of Ramon, San Mateo, Mallig, Quezon, Roxas, San Guillermo, San Agustin, Jones, Echague, Reina Mercedes, Benito Soliven, San Isidro, Cabagan, San Manuel, Divilacan, and the City of Cauayan.
Meanwhile, Materisita Rosette, a student beneficiary from Benito Soliven, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity provided by the SPES program, which she considered a stepping stone toward acquiring meaningful work experience and offered crucial financial assistance for her schooling and family needs.
“Ito po ay sobrang nakatulong sa akin lalong lalo na sa nanay ko dahil mag-isa na lang niyang nagpapaaral sa akin. Maraming salamat sa DOLE at sa Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Benito Soliven (This has been extremely helpful, especially for my mother, because she is the only one supporting my education. Thank you very much to DOLE and PESO Benito Soliven),” she said.
DOLE – SPES is a flagship initiative of DOLE aimed at supporting financially challenged but deserving students by offering short-term employment during semester break.
